When getting employed/promoted, how much do alumni connections matter?

College Confidential Community
1

<p>When getting employed/promoted, how much do alumni connections matter?
like, do the social connections or just the fact that an executive from a company knows you’re from the same school provide you a quasi “golden parachute” throughout your life?</p>

<p>Next year I will have to decide whether I want an EE degree from Stanford (ranked 2) or one from my state, UT Austin (ranked 12). At UT Austin my tuition would be negligible compared to Stanford and I think a lot of my classes will be done w/ due to high AP scores… But I know I won’t make anywhere as near the important social connections as I would at Stanford.</p>

<p>I’m not sure if I want to continue w/ masters or phd if I get employed at a decent/great place for EE. i might decide to go back to school one day to take high courses or get an MBA. but as far as i see right now, i think bachelors will be enough for the next 10 years.</p>

<p>Of course, all of this is assuming that I could make Stanford next year when I apply…</p>

2

<p>Since about 3% of unhooked candidates get into Stanford, it’s good to have another school you love. If you aspire to a typical job of an EE major, Texas is just fine. Do well there so you can get a top MBA down the road if you like.</p>

<p>And if you have a shot at Stanford, won’t you get into the honors college where you’ll have strong peers?</p>

<p>There are some career aspirations that would make Stanford worth the money, if say you wanted to be a management consultant, venture capitalist or investment banker. For most other things, save your money.</p>

3

<p>stanford!!!</p>

4

<p>Connections are HUGE factors. But I don’t think you’ll notice a difference or lack of connections between Stanford and Texas.</p>

5

<p>I’ve gotten 3 of my 4 internships/jobs through connections. I knew these people personally or these people knew people; it wasn’t just a school name.</p>